Overgrown shrubs are a common problem in mature landscapes. You may have inherited this problem from a previous homeowner, or you may have unknowingly created the problem with improper plant selection. It all comes back to, “right plant, right place.”
We often fail to realize how large a shrub will be 10 to 15 years after it is planted. When the plant tag says the shrub will get 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide – we believe it. You may think you can keep a fast-growing shrub pruned back, but over the years the shrub will win. Plus, do you want to spend that much time pruning? Another point to consider is the security risk of having large shrubs up against the house where someone could hide.
Now that you are facing a problem that you have avoided for years, what are your options? Here are four choices:
The three-year method. This approach requires more time and patience, but it is less stressful on the plant, while still maintaining an attractive look during the process. Year one involves the removal of one-third of the oldest, least productive branches. Each branch, or cane, should be removed at, or near, ground level. Follow the same process in years two and three, never removing more than a third of the shrub.
At the end of year three, all the old wood will be replaced by young, productive growth. This rejuvenation process may produce excessive growth, so some pruning to maintain the overall shape of the shrub will be required. This method works best on multi-trunked shrubs. In North Florida, the best time for this pruning method is just before new growth emerges, which is usually in February.
Shape an overgrown shrub into a tree form. Most large growing shrubs, whether single trunk or multi-trunk, can be shaped into a nice tree form. You would generally use this method to create a single specimen in the landscape. Select one to five of the most vigorous growing branches and prune out all the remaining branches to ground level. Then remove the lateral branches that are three to four feet off the ground. Also, prune out some of the interior growth for better air circulation. You may need to do some light pruning over three to four years to get the desired tree-form look.
Severe renewal pruning. In some situations, you may consider severe pruning to bring shrubs within bounds. Such is the case when you have overgrown shrubs around the foundation of the house, hiding windows and obstructing walkways. This situation may also create a security issue. The best time for severe, or renewal pruning, is the beginning of the growing season – mid February in North Florida.
Renewal pruning means cutting the shrubs back six to 12 inches above the ground. As new shoots get a foot or more in height you may need to tip prune to encourage lateral branching and general shaping. Yes, this pruning method will put stress on the plants, and should not be tried with some plants (juniper, boxwood, cedars, and definitely not trees).
Some shrubs that are good candidates for renewal pruning are hollies, ligustrums, yaupons, and azaleas. In order to reduce the stress on the plants, mulch well and stay on a good watering schedule. Most plants will rebound with vigorous growth, but success cannot be guaranteed, so be forewarned. Also, given the fast growth of a severely pruned shrub, you may have to repeat this process in three or four years. Check with your local County Extension Office if you have questions.
Remove and replace. At some point, the best option may be to remove the offending shrubs and replace them with plants that are appropriate for the site (plant size, soil condition, sun exposure, etc.). Removing large, overgrown shrubs, with extensive root systems can be a chore so you may need help. Start by removing most of the growth; a chainsaw may be required. Then hire a stump grinding service to grind out the stumps and roots. This is much easier than trying to dig out an old shrub with an extensive root system.
It always comes back to a key garden principle: “right plant in the right place.”
Mike fa*gan is a Master Gardener Volunteer with UF/IFAS Extension Leon County, an Equal Opportunity Institution. For gardening questions, email the extension office at AskAMasterGardener@ifas.ufl.edu.
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